Well there’s just no more room, so it’s a good job that your baby's growth slows down in the last two weeks!
Your baby’s bowels contain all the waste products built up in the past few weeks. Known as meconium, this is a black, tarry substance which usually comes out as a poo in the first days after birth.
Did you know that only 5% of babies are born on their due date? Most women go into labour between 38 and 42 weeks, so the big event could be happening any time now!
You’ll be glad to know that your bump’s about as big as it’s going to get. You might be finding it difficult to get comfortable these days. The best position for sleep is probably on your side, with your top leg resting over on a couple of pillows. If you're sitting upright in a chair, try putting your feet on a couple of cushions.
Most hospitals won’t let you go home without a baby seat in place. And do you know exactly where to go in the hospital when labour starts? Of course, you may be planning a home birth, in which case your midwife will have supplied you with a home delivery pack.
If you have been getting Braxton Hicks contractions, you may notice that these are beginning to get stronger now. You'll probably find yourself pausing for a moment, wondering ‘is this it?’. You may even make a couple of fruitless trips to the hospital – don’t worry if you do, you're certainly not the first or last expectant mum who has done this!
You may have more energy this week, and you might even find yourself in a cleaning, dusting and ironing frenzy as you prepare your 'nest’ for the new arrival!
